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The first question to ask yourself whenever buying any sort of PC hardware is “what will I use this device for?”. This single question will tell you exactly what you need, can help you choose between a cheaper or a more premium model, and will help you narrow down the number of options. This process also applies to mice!
The mouse is a very simple peripheral: it consists of a sensor, two buttons, and a scroll wheel. But while the mouse is a very simple device, the market for them can be a minefield, scattered with various genres, designs, and prices.
Today, in fact, we have distinct classes of mice, each created for a different application. Therefore finding the best mouse for your specific needs is very important. If, for example, you are looking for the best office mouse, ergonomics will probably be the most important factor since you will be using it for many hours every day. On the other hand, you might prefer a wireless model in order to eliminate cable clutter. Since not all mice are made for the same purpose, it is important to know what you are looking for.
The most common mouse is the desktop one, designed for use with a desktop computer. It sports the traditional left and right clicks, a clickable scroll wheel, and, in some cases, two additional thumb buttons.
Portable (or travel) mice offer many of these same features but are smaller in size. They are designed to fit easily into a backpack or laptop bag. For the same reason, travel mice tend to be small for most hand sizes – you can use them for a short period, but they become uncomfortable for prolonged work due to their uncomfortable grip. Typically, portable mice are also wireless.
Beyond these two “classics”, there are other kinds of mice such as ergonomic ones.
While any $10 mouse can fulfill its basic functions, the same can’t be said if you also care about wrist health, not to mention productivity.
If you work on your computer for long periods of time, a $10 mouse will not suffice. A poorly designed mouse can strain your wrist, a cheap sensor can lead to tracking problems or subpar performance, and a subpar wireless connectivity module can be affected by interferences.
The best mice, on the other hand, offer a quality build, cutting-edge performance, and superior ergonomics and comfort. The overall experience will be significantly better and your productivity will increase.
For all these reasons it is a good idea to buy the best mouse, you can afford. Whether you prefer a wired or wireless version, a simple device, or a mouse with many extra buttons and functions, with a classic shape or an ergonomic design for comfort, our list of best mice will help you decide which one is best for you. Yes, in the end, you’ll end up spending a tad more, but you won’t regret it.
Which is the best mouse?
Buying peripherals is a very personal matter. Both hand shape and primary use will dictate your definition of “best mouse”. Some mice are big and feature-rich; others are small and inexpensive. A creative needs a different kind of mouse from an accountant. When choosing your next mouse, consider the following:
Choose the right mouse for your needs
Choosing the right mouse for your needs is incredibly important since a mouse designed specifically for productivity isn’t as good for gaming and vice versa.
A productivity mouse, for example, must have a solid sensor for accurate tracking and it will take advantage of its many buttons that will allow you to quickly access the various shortcuts or activate extra mouse functions. For professionals, choosing a mouse with all these features is important in order to enjoy a good working experience. Travelers, on the other hand, will appreciate a compact wireless mouse with long battery life and Bluetooth connectivity.
Best mouse: what to look for
To begin with, the best mice must sport an ergonomic design, so that they are comfortable to use for long periods of time. They must also boast a fast, accurate, and responsive sensor.
There are also some features that depend entirely on the use case. To cover all the bases, we chose a wide range of options: there are small and easy to carry around mice, wireless “flagship” devices equipped with all sorts of buttons and extra functions, and cheap models that will be good for a more basic user.
Features
Features vary from mouse to mouse. Most, do not have any extra features. What you see is what you get. Some, have extra buttons and functions and are accompanied by entire software suites that allow you to customize almost every aspect of their performance. If you are creative (graphic design or video editing) it is almost mandatory to have a feature-rich mouse; if instead, you stick primarily to typing and browsing the web, a simpler mouse will do just fine. Last but not least, if you’re looking to reduce cable clutter on your desk, a wireless device can do wonders for your workstation.
Ergonomic mice
Ergonomic mice have a design that “forces” the hand to rest in a more neutral position and are ideal for heavy users. Designed to reduce strains that can lead to repetitive stress injury syndrome – this is a valid concern for anyone using a PC for long hours. Ergonomic mice can have unusual shapes (vertical mice, trackball mice) and require some practice to get the most out of them, but they can protect your health.
The most important thing, however, is a mouse’s size: always make sure that it is the right fit for your hand, not too big nor too small.
Weight is also a consideration. Some people prefer a heavier device that anchors the hand, while others, especially gamers, want something light that provides less resistance when flicked around.
It’s not just weight and size, though. A mouse’s shape can cause unnecessary effort (or conversely, grant extra support for) the hand and wrist. A comfortable mouse must replicate the contour of your hand. Some mice might even come with a thumb rest.
Connectivity: wired or wireless?
The easiest way to connect a mouse is via a wired USB connection. Most mice are typically plug-and-play and do not require any additional software (except high-end ones). Unlike wireless models, a wired device is powered directly from the USB port, thus it doesn’t need any batteries. A wired connection is also preferable for gaming, although some of the latest generation wireless gaming mice are indistinguishable, from an input lag point of view, from their wired counterparts.
If you value freedom of movement and want less cable clutter, a wireless mouse is an ideal solution. Wireless mice transmit data via an RF connection using a USB receiver, or via Bluetooth. (Some mice support both).
Both types of wireless connection have their pros and cons:
Most wireless mice connect to your computer via the same 2.4 GHz wireless frequency used by cordless phones and some Wi-Fi bands. It’s the USB dongle that “bridges” that connection.
A Bluetooth mouse doesn’t need a dongle to connect to a Bluetooth-compatible device. Bluetooth peripherals, therefore, do not occupy a USB port.
On the other hand, Bluetooth mice usually have a higher battery consumption than their RF counterparts. However, new innovations have greatly improved the autonomy of newer models compared to older Bluetooth devices, which employed an always-on wireless connection that discharged the battery faster.
Remember to always check a wireless mouse’s battery life, so that you can get an idea of how often you’ll have to charge them.
Sensors: optical or laser?
Most modern mice use a sensor based on light – optical or laser. Unlike the mechanical sensors of the past, light-based sensors are not affected by dust or dirt, while the absence of moving parts means fewer failures.
Optical sensors combine an LED (red, blue, or infrared) with a small photosensor that tracks mouse movement by repeatedly “taking shots” of the surface underneath the mouse and translating any mouse movement into cursor movement. (The frequency of these “shots” is called “polling frequency” and is expressed in Hz.) Due to the photosensor, optical mice are less prone to problems caused by lifting the mouse during use or when using the mouse on an uneven surface.
Laser mice work similarly, but they use an infrared laser instead of an LED. This allows, in some cases, for increased sensitivity. On the other hand, laser sensors do not perform the same on all kinds of surfaces; if you care about a mouse’s accuracy, the use of a mousepad can solve all your problems.
Lastly, there are also models that offer the increased sensitivity of a laser sensor and the added versatility of an optical sensor, by using both in tandem.
DPI/CPI
The dot-per-inch (DPI) or count per inch (CPI) is a specification akin to sensor sensitivity. The more sensitive a mouse is (higher DPI) and the faster the cursor will move across the screen, which is an important factor if you use a high-resolution (4K) monitor. This, however, does not mean that a sensor is better if it has a higher DPI. In fact, a mouse with a lower DPI can be more accurate. Some high-end mice let you choose between different DPI settings, so you can find your perfect mix of speed and accuracy.
Price
A mouse’s price is related to its extra features. Complex mice cost a lot of money while simpler mice are cheaper.
So, which mouse should I buy?
Our list of recommendations informs you which are the best mice for each category (best wired, wireless, portable, ergonomic, etc. mouse) that are available on the market right now.
Whether you’re looking for the best office mouse or one to take with you on your next business trip, we’re sure you’ll find the perfect one for you.
These are the best computer mice you can buy today
Logitech MX Master 3: the best
The Logitech MX Master 3 (Check on Amazon) model is similar to the previous MX Master 2S. It has improved ergonomics, with a more generous thumb rest, the mouse wheel uses the MagSpeed technology that features electromagnets for maximum scroll speed and precision, and also sports a Darkfield laser sensor that can go up to 4000 DPI.
It can connect to up to three PCs (Windows or Mac) via Bluetooth 4.0 or the included USB dongle, and the 500mAh battery can last up to seventy days. It also features fast charging that can give you three hours of use with just one minute of charging.
Comfortable, precise, and feature-rich it approaches perfection in terms of productivity. It is highly recommended!
Read more: Logitech MX Master 3 review: reinventing the wheel
Logitech Ergo M575: best trackball mouse
A trackball mouse isn’t for everyone but if you’re prone to wrist fatigue from traditional mice it’s worth considering. The Logitech Ergo M575 (Check on Amazon) [the upgrade of the M570 (Check on Amazon)] is a well-built and more ergonomic alternative to a traditional mouse.
It has a ball where the palm rest should be and its new sculpted shape fits a wider variety of hand sizes while also costing less than the Logitech MX Ergo (Check on Amazon) – on the other hand, the MX Ergo gives a more robust feel and can be paired with two devices at the same time.
The ball moves with absolute fluidity in its housing, the tracking is responsive and the buttons are comfortable. The non-slip feet on the bottom keep it firmly in place. The Ergo isn’t as versatile as other conventional mice – only the two secondary buttons and scroll wheel are programmable – but connectivity isn’t an issue since you can choose between Bluetooth or the company’s USB-A wireless (2.4GHz) receiver.
Sadly, it is not rechargeable, instead, its 2,000 DPI optical sensor is powered by a standard AA battery, but the fact that it gives you around 24 months of battery life helps. Last but not least, it’s great to see that the Logitech Ergo M575 (Check on Amazon) caters to Mac users as well as Windows ones.
Logitech MX Anywhere 3: best portable mouse
Need a compact mouse to work when you are out and about? Then buy the Logitech MX Anywhere 3 (Check on Amazon). The successor of the MX Anywhere 2S (Check on Amazon) is a great portable mouse oriented to on-the-go professionals who appreciate simplicity. It is ideal for those with smaller hands – it is perhaps too small for prolonged use if you have large hands. Despite its size, its slightly curved shape fits nicely inside the palm of your hand.
This wireless mouse is not only designed to be super portable; you also get superb ergonomics, a solid click, and an electromagnetic scroll wheel that allows you to switch between a pixel-perfect precise scrolling mode and a free-scrolling mode (more than 1,000 lines of text per minute), while it is also able to improve your productivity by leveraging its advanced connectivity – it can connect with up to three devices simultaneously and the Mac version (Check on Amazon) can also be used with the iPad -, either via Bluetooth or the included 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and the ability to switch between them almost instantly. In addition, this mouse comes with profiles and extra buttons designed for specific customization options in various popular productivity apps.
Its sensor has a sensitivity ranging from 200 to 4,000 DPI and can accurately track on almost any surface.
Last but not least, its built-in battery can last up to 70 days on a single charge, and if it runs out at the wrong moment you can simply connect it to your PC via USB-C and continue working.
It is made to withstand the typical bumps that occur when placed inside a laptop bag or backpack and is available in three colors to suit all tastes.
Some might feel that (Check on Amazon) is a lot for a small portable mouse, but if you want a compact mouse that takes many of the brilliant touches of the Logitech MX Master 3 (Check on Amazon) and adapts them to mobile users, the MX Anywhere 3 will be perfect for you.
Razer Pro Click: best gaming mouse for productivity
Razer took all the best features of the company’s famous gaming mice and combined them in the Pro Click (Check on Amazon) to create the best office mouse for advanced users.
If using macros is critical to your work — video editing/graphic design — this is the mouse of your dreams as it offers 8 fully programmable buttons at your disposal — via Razer’s Synapse 3 software.
The Razer Pro Click also sports one of the best optical mouse sensors (without the occasional ‘jitter’ of laser ones) with a maximum sensitivity of 16,000 DPI – four times more dots per inch than the Logitech MX Master 3 (Check on Amazon) – for such a precise tracking experience that makes it ideal for detailed work such as fine adjustments in Photoshop, and multi-connectivity for those of us who use multiple devices at the same time – there is a button underneath the mouse that allows you to switch between devices.
Its ergonomics are also very well thought out. This mouse is designed with a wide curve on the back that according to Razer prevents the wrist from leaning on the desk.
In terms of autonomy, the Razer Pro Click (Check on Amazon) will last you up to 20 hours when connected via the included wireless dongle (2.4 GHz) and up to 400 hours via Bluetooth. The only drawback is that it doesn’t use the most modern USB Type-C connection but a traditional USB Type-A one.
Logitech G Pro X Superlight: best ultra-light mouse
For years, the original Logitech G Pro (Check on Amazon) was considered the best ultralight gaming mouse. But, in recent times, Logitech’s competitors have introduced much lighter mice, equipped with equally great sensors and wireless connectivity. In order not to be left behind, Logitech went back to the drawing board and created the new version of the G Pro which is one of the lightest mice on the market but without relying on honeycomb shells with annoying holes in their body to reduce weight. Therefore, the Superlight (Check on Amazon) sports a more robust build quality than many other similar offerings.
Plus, its symmetrical shape is almost universally suited to all hand sizes and grip types, thus it’s a safe choice if you’re looking for a high-performance mouse but aren’t sure how it will fit in your hand.
Holding the Logitech G Pro X Superlight for the first time is a weird experience. It seems empty inside… but it isn’t. The integrated Logitech Hero sensor is one of the best around and the lack of RGB lighting means it offers 70 hours of battery life on a charge – however, its charging cable uses an older micro-USB connector rather than the new USB-C standard which is found on many other similarly priced options.
Even more surprising, Logitech has managed to maintain the compatibility of the device with its Powerplay charging system. This little accessory costs just (Check on Amazon) and eliminates the need for a cable. Even if you don’t want to spend (Check on Amazon) on the charging pad, some third-party peripheral makers have created docks (Check on Amazon) that use the Powerplay connection.
All in all, the Logitech G Pro X Superlight (Check on Amazon) is a great choice for gamers and one of the most accommodating, high-performance ultralight mice we’ve tried so far.
Logitech MX Vertical: the most comfortable
The Logitech MX Vertical (Check on Amazon) is designed to be comfortable, and therefore vertical (57° angle), positioning the hand and wrist in a more natural position to avoid injuries. This design reduces muscle fatigue by 10% compared to standard mice, without any loss in day-to-day performance.
It also sports a 4,000 DPI sensor and three connectivity options: Bluetooth and a 2.4GHz adapter that can work with three devices simultaneously; and wired via the removable cable and USB Type-C port.
In addition to the left and right-click buttons and the wheel on the right, there are two more buttons on the left and a button on top.
It costs a bit, but it is one of the best solutions for an office mouse.
Read more: Logitech MX Vertical review: the most ergonomic mouse ever created
Anker Vertical: budget alternative
Developed as an evolution of trackballs, vertical mice solve some problems, such as wrist and forearm pain. The Anker model combines the vertical design with wireless technology, allowing not only a more natural and more comfortable grip but also freedom of movement.
It has been very successful in sales and is highly appreciated by users. In addition to solid ergonomics, this model stands out for its good performance aided by the presence of five keys and the classic scroll wheel. It also lets you adjust the responsiveness and therefore the DPI according to your preference.
Looking at the price (Check on Amazon) it is clear that some compromises have been made: this Anker mouse has, in fact, sharp edges and corners that aren’t perfectly finished. However, it is a solid budget option for those suffering from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and those who would like to prevent it.
Read more: Anker Vertical mouse review: for those with wrist problems
Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse: best mouse for general use
The Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse (Check on Amazon) is essentially a more affordable version of the Microsoft Surface Precision Mouse (Check on Amazon). With long battery life, the ability to pair with up to three devices simultaneously, and an attractive design, this mouse is what most users look for in a productivity device.
Many think that in order to buy a quality ergonomic mouse they have to spend a small fortune. But this statement is false. Microsoft does not produce flashy gaming mice with RGB lighting, nor premium office mice with more features than you will actually use. The company produces good, solid, and reliable mice that do not cost much and the Microsoft Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse is proof of this.
This is a super comfortable mouse, built with quality materials (the base has Teflon inserts for smooth gliding and the scroll wheel is made of aluminum), has a natural hand position, and is lightweight. In addition, it features five buttons in total, two of which are programmable — you can assign them specific functions to further increase your productivity — and an autonomy of up to a year.
Microsoft creates incredible office mice, and the Bluetooth Ergonomic Mouse (Check on Amazon) is a fantastic addition to any productivity arsenal.
Apple Magic Mouse 2: best looks
If you’re looking for an Apple mouse you should take a look at this model. Like all Cupertino devices, it stands out for its futuristic, elegant design and ultra-smooth surface, a small gem to keep on your desk.
Despite the numerous criticisms – including ours for the most uncomfortable mouse ever made – the Magic Mouse 2 (Check on Amazon) has a lot of fans and the second version is a remarkable improvement over the first generation. This is a Bluetooth mouse and this new version, compared to the previous one, features a USB rechargeable lithium battery, so no more bulky wires and no more batteries to buy. Just two minutes of charging can give you nine hours of use (a full charge equals one month of autonomy).
Its base has also been redesigned and the Magic Mouse 2 is now more stable, lighter, and glides better and smoother since it has less friction.
Another advantage of this mouse is its multi-touch surface. The Magic Mouse was indeed the first multi-touch mouse and this second version has an improved functionality: with fewer finger movements you can do more operations such as browsing web pages, scrolling documents, zoom, etc. and it is ready for use directly out of the box.
the charging port is located below the device, so it is not possible to charge the device while using it; in addition, the glass construction is fragile and easily affected by scratches and accidental damage.
It is certainly not the cheapest mouse on the market but if you want a product that will marry well with the design of other Apple devices on your desk this is the one created specifically for that.
Read more: Apple Magic Mouse 2 review: no better than the older model
Logitech MX Ergo: the most ergonomic
Heir to the glorious Logitech M570 (Check on Amazon), the Logitech MX Ergo (Check on Amazon) is a trackball mouse, which means you don’t move the mouse but the ball that sits on top of it with your thumb. Its inclination can be adjusted up to 20° to further adapt it to your needs. It also uses an advanced optical sensor to track motion, and its sensitivity can be adjusted using the DPI button.
It has two additional buttons next to the left click, and the wheel also has lateral clicks. It can connect via Bluetooth or via the Unifying wireless 2.4GHz adapter. It is equipped with an internal battery whose autonomy is estimated at about four months and can be recharged via a micro-USB port.
It can also be used with the Logitech FLOW technology, which lets you control several PCs with the same mouse by simply moving the cursor from one monitor to another.
Read more: Logitech MX Ergo review: trackball mice still make sense
Microsoft Classic Intellimouse: best mouse for enterprises
To people of a certain age, the Microsoft Classic Intellimouse (Check on Amazon) will bring memories of a real workhorse, which was not flashy but got the job done. Microsoft capitalized on nostalgia by launching the Classic Intellimouse, which modernized the dated design and enhanced the sensor, allowing users to use a DPI up to 3200 in order to improve tracking accuracy.
Similar to contemporary mice, it supports a 1,000Hz polling rate for better responsiveness and features three programmable buttons, so that you can add custom macros or commands and make complicated office tasks a little easier to handle.
It’s not wireless, but if you want a comfortable and reliable mouse, this is a brilliant update. And the price is more than honest.
Logitech M330 Silent Plus: best silent mouse
If your colleagues or family are tired of listening to the clicks of your mouse, Logitech’s M330 (Check on Amazon) is the perfect device for you. Its buttons are designed to be almost silent, with a 90% reduction in click noise compared to similar mice.
This mouse sports a basic optical sensor, two buttons, and a scroll wheel. However, with an ergonomic profile similar to Logitech’s more expensive mice and a combination of hard plastic and soft rubber grips, it feels surprisingly good in the hand. Its compact size and weight are ideal for use on the go, but it’s also good as an everyday mouse.
The M330 connects via a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, which can be stored inside the battery compartment for transport. Other useful functions include an automatic shutdown feature, that grants this mouse up to two years of autonomy.
All in all, this is a cheap mouse that looks a lot more premium than it costs.
Logitech MX Master 2S: a great choice
The successor of the award-winning MX Master (Check on Amazon), the MX Master 2S (Check on Amazon) is the natural evolution of one of the best-selling mice ever. The shape hasn’t been changed, because of the excellent ergonomics it offers, but the autonomy has been doubled, the new and improved sensor has increased the DPI from 1000 to 4000, and Flow functionality has been added, which allows for the simultaneous use with 3 devices.
It is a touch bigger than standard productivity mice, but it inserts itself very well in your hand.
The rechargeable battery lasts up to 70 days and takes 3 minutes to recharge from zero to a percentage that can last you for a full working day; also the mouse can be used while recharging.
The scroll wheel has two modes of operation: a step mode and a free-scrolling mode. In addition, there is a thumbwheel for side-scrolling, and you can reprogram the keys to your liking. All buttons are, in fact, customizable via the Logitech Options software.
The Darkfield laser sensor can even work on glass, unlike ordinary laser sensors. The resolution of the sensor itself can be set from 400 to 4000 DPI, in increments of 50 DPI.
This is the ideal mouse for those who work multiple hours a day and need maximum precision. The only drawback is that it is made for right-handed users only and that it is not particularly suitable for gaming.
Read more: Logitech MX Master 2S review: simply perfect
Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600: best budget mouse
We have a penchant for the good old Microsoft mouse, and the 3600 (Check on Amazon) works wirelessly and without the need for a USB dongle thanks to Bluetooth.
It sports three buttons: left and right click and a scroll wheel with 4-way support. It uses a high-precision Bluetrack optical sensor that allows you to use it on all surfaces except glass and mirror. It also features an autonomy of up to one year with a single AA battery (which is a rare thing) and is designed for both right and left-handed users.
It doesn’t have extra buttons, it doesn’t have an ultra-fast tracking sensor and it won’t make your coffee, but if you’re looking for a reliable mouse that’s also comfortable and portable enough to take it anywhere you want, the 3600 is a clear winner.
Razer DeathAdder Chroma: the best all-around mouse
Razer products are not suitable for everyone. They are mostly aimed at gamers that also love industrial design. This, however, also means that they are fairly good at other uses, such as office productivity.
The thing that differentiates the Razer DeathAdder Chroma (Check on Amazon) from other office mice is its 16.8 million colors and the excellent 10,000 DPI optical sensor.
If you want a mouse that is good for both gaming and productivity, then this is your best bet.
Read more: Razer Deathadder Chroma review: now with LED RGB and a 10K sensor
Razer Viper 8K: best gaming mouse
The Razer Viper 8K (Check on Amazon) is the fastest and most responsive gaming mouse available today, and the perfect choice for eSports games as long as your PC can keep up with it.
Its outstanding feature is the 8,000 Hz polling rate and a click latency below 0.125 ms.
For the rest, it’s very similar to the Razer Viper from which it inherited the impressive build quality, durability (main buttons certified for 70 million clicks), and an ambidextrous design. The sensor is also really good, with a maximum sensitivity of 20,000 DPI. Unlike the Viper Ultimate (Check on Amazon), the 8K is only wired — wireless technology has come a long way but a wired connection still offers the least latency possible.
It also offers eight buttons in total (programmable) and you can store up to five profiles on the mouse itself.
Last but not least, there is Chroma RGB lighting and Razer’s Synapse software suite.
You’ll need an extremely fast monitor to get the most out of the Viper 8K (Check on Amazon), but if you need the most responsive mouse ever, this is it!
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